32 teams will participate in the tournament for the first time, after the decision of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to expand the number of participants instead of 7 clubs, including 5 Arab clubs: Al-Ahly of Egypt Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Esperance of Tunisia, Al-Ain of the Emirates, and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.
On Tuesday, FIFA announced the procedures for the 2025 Club World Cup draw and the classification of the teams participating in the tournament, which will be held in the United States during the period from June 15 to July 13, 2025.
FIFA indicated in a statement on its official website that the 32 participating clubs were divided into 4 levels, each containing 8 teams, explaining that the first pot includes the four highest-ranked teams in the tournament. Europe In addition to the four highest-ranked teams from South America, which are Manchester City of England, Real Madrid of Spain, Bayern Munich of Germany, Paris Saint-Germain of France, Flamengo of Brazil, Palmeiras of Brazil, River Plate of Argentina, and Fluminense of Brazil.
While the second pot consists of the remaining eight teams from Europe, which are: Chelsea England, Borussia Dortmund of Germany, Inter Milan of Italy, Porto of Portugal, Atletico Madrid of Spain, Benfica of Portugal, Juventus of Italy, and Red Bull Salzburg of Austria.
The third pot includes the two highest-ranked teams, respectively, from Asia, Africa, the North and Central America region, and the Caribbean, along with the remaining two clubs from South America, which are Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Ulsan Hyundai of Korea, Al-Ahly of Egypt, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, Monterrey of Mexico, Club Leon of Mexico, Boca Juniors of Argentina, and Botafogo of Brazil.
The fourth pot includes the remaining two teams, respectively, from Asia Africa, North and Central America and the Caribbean, in addition to the representative of Oceania and the team representing the host country, Inter Miami, in addition to Urawa Reds of Japan, Al Ain of the Emirates, Esperance of Tunisia, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Pachuca of Mexico, Seattle Sounders of America, and Auckland City of New Zealand.
FIFA confirmed that the draw will also avoid two teams from the same continental federation falling into one group, with the exception of clubs Europe Which participates with 12 teams, which means that there are 4 groups that will include two teams from Europe.
He also explained that there is another exception by placing Inter Miami club directly in the fourth pot of the first group, where it will play the opening match at Hard Rock Stadium, while the other American team, Seattle Sounders, will be placed directly in the fourth pot of the second group.
FIFA had decided to establish Club World Cup With its new system, it takes place every 4 years during the summer, instead of holding it every year, as the champions of the six continents during the last four years participate in the tournament, in addition to the best clubs in the classification of each continental federation based on their results during the same period.
The tournament in its new format sparked controversy, as the Swiss supported it Gianni InfantinoHowever, it faces two legal challenges in Europe, both related to the Professional Players Association (FIFPro).
The federations’ concerns are mainly focused on the well-being of the players, as players who are active in European leagues and competing in the World Cup are scheduled to be given a very short time to rest and recover properly before the start of the 2025/2026 season.
A number of players have already expressed their dissatisfaction with the Club World Cup being held in this system, as a midfielder warned Manchester City Englishman Rodri said that a large number of stars are “close” to thinking about going on strike due to the crowded match schedule, as club competitions affiliated with the European Football Association (UEFA) now occupy more space.
Leagues in Europe fear that the Club World Cup will have a negative impact on their competitions, with concerns about whether Manchester City and Chelsea can be at full strength and fitness when the season begins. English Premier League For the 2025/26 season on August 17th.
The competition regulations stipulate that the winner and runner-up of each of the eight groups in the first round will qualify for the round of 16, which will be held in a knockout system.
The rest of the rounds in the tournament will continue according to this system until the final match, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13.
